IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
- Vessel Names: W.S. Carkin, P.B. McNaughton, Joseph H.
- Vessel Type: Propeller Steam Tug
- Year Built: 1874
- Builder: East Saginaw, Michigan
- Dimensions:
- Original (W.S. Carkin): Length: 21.3 meters (70 feet), Beam: 4.9 meters (16 feet), Depth: 1.8 meters (6 feet)
- Rebuild (P.B. McNaughton, 1888): Length: 22.3 meters (73.2 feet), Beam: 5.2 meters (17.2 feet), Depth: 2.8 meters (9.2 feet)
- Final (Joseph H., 1916): Length: 20.1 meters (66 feet), Beam: 5.2 meters (17 feet), Depth: 2.6 meters (8.66 feet)
- Gross Tonnage:
- Original: 29 tons
- Rebuild (1888): 63.87 tons
- Final (1916): 67 tons
- Net Tonnage:
- Original: 14 tons
- Final: 30 registered tons
- Official Number: 81198
- Wreck Locations:
- Presque Isle, Michigan, Lake Huron (1887)
- Port Colborne, Ontario, Lake Erie (1924)
- Current Condition: Total loss, wrecked in 1924
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The W.S. Carkin, later known as the P.B. McNaughton and finally as the Joseph H., was a propeller-driven steam tug. Tugs like these were vital in the Great Lakes, assisting larger vessels with navigation, especially in tight harbors, through challenging passages, and during adverse weather conditions. The vessel’s sturdy construction and powerful engine allowed it to perform these demanding tasks, even as it underwent multiple rebuilds and name changes throughout its operational life.
HISTORY #
The W.S. Carkin was built in 1874 in East Saginaw, Michigan, with a length of 70 feet, a beam of 16 feet, and a depth of 6 feet. It served as a steam tug, a crucial role in the bustling Great Lakes maritime industry of the late 19th century. The vessel’s early career was marked by routine operations until November 23, 1887, when it encountered heavy weather and became stranded near Presque Isle, Michigan, while en route from Sault Ste. Marie to Saginaw. The tug struck a reef and was wrecked, though thankfully, the crew was rescued by the tug Effie L., and there was no loss of life.
Following this incident, the W.S. Carkin was salvaged, rebuilt, and renamed the P.B. McNaughton in 1888. This rebuild slightly increased the vessel’s dimensions and tonnage, reflecting the modifications made to enhance its capabilities. The tug continued its service on the Great Lakes, changing ownership multiple times over the years. By 1899, it was owned by P.B. McNaughton of Sorel, Quebec, and later by John J. Harrison of Port Dalhousie, Ontario, with Sarnia, Ontario, serving as its home port.
In 1916, the P.B. McNaughton underwent another significant rebuild, this time under Canadian standards, and was measured with slightly reduced dimensions. It continued to serve in various capacities, eventually being renamed Joseph H. in 1922.
The vessel met its final fate on December 6, 1924, when it was involved in a tragic incident near Port Colborne, Ontario, in Lake Erie. While assisting the 6,600-ton steamer Midland Prince, the larger vessel veered out of control and crushed the Joseph H. against a reef, resulting in the tug’s total loss. This marked the end of a long and storied career for the vessel, which had served under multiple names and undergone several transformations throughout its life.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The W.S. Carkin, renamed P.B. McNaughton and later Joseph H., was ultimately lost on December 6, 1924, when it was crushed against a reef by the steamer Midland Prince near Port Colborne, Ontario, in Lake Erie. The vessel was declared a total loss following this incident, and no efforts were made to salvage it.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the Joseph H. (formerly W.S. Carkin and P.B. McNaughton) has not been definitively located. The vessel was lost near Port Colborne, Ontario, in Lake Erie, but the exact coordinates of the wreck remain unknown.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the Joseph H. (formerly W.S. Carkin and P.B. McNaughton). Mariners should be aware of the historical presence of wrecks in the area around Port Colborne, Ontario, and exercise caution when navigating the waters near known reef locations.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Historical Collections of the Great Lakes: Vessels – Carkin, W.S.
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Vessel Names: McNaughton, P.B.
- Great Lakes Maritime Database: Great Lakes Maritime Database
CONCLUSION #
The story of the W.S. Carkin and its subsequent incarnations as the P.B. McNaughton and Joseph H. illustrates the challenging and often perilous nature of maritime operations on the Great Lakes. This vessel, which served in various capacities over its five decades of service, met its end in a tragic accident in 1924, marking the close of its long and varied career. The legacy of the Joseph H. serves as a reminder of the important role these tugs played in the shipping industry and the risks faced by those who operated them.
KEYWORDS #
- W.S. Carkin steam tug
- P.B. McNaughton tugboat
- Joseph H. tugboat
- Lake Erie shipwreck
- Great Lakes maritime history
- Port Colborne Ontario
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
Specific GPS coordinates for the wreck site of the Joseph H. are not available. Continued research and exploration may provide more precise information about the location and condition of the wreck. Maritime historians and divers should monitor updates from historical records and new discoveries related to this vessel.
